Notes and Editorial Reviews

Music of a revolutionary and a visionary who crosses boundaries and breaks down barriers- Beethoven's music gives strength, courage and inspiration for all humanity.

The three most popular piano sonatas of Beethoven are performed by pianist Barbara Nissman on this first volume of her continuing series, Visions: Sonatas of Beethoven. She energetically begins with the repeated rhythms of the "Waldstein," followed by the well-known "Moonlight" Sonata (Incidentally, Beethoven hated that nickname because he felt it was untrue to its last two movements- obviously the critic who penned it hadn't listened to the whole composition!!) concluding with the "Appassionata"( Beethoven approved of that nicknameRead more because all of its three movements are indeed passionate!) The Rondo, "Rage over a lost penny" a funny piece of slapstick serves as an encore to this Beethoven sonata program. These sonatas are familiar and popular but Nissman gives us very personal interpretations of these old "warhorses." A wonderful introduction to the great piano sonatas of Beethoven!

“All of Nissman's virtues come into play here – concern for the narrative architecture of an entire movement, plasticity of phrase, the appearance of spontaneity, the feeling that you're moving along with great and inevitable power."

Customer Reviews

Average Customer Review: ( 1 Customer Review )

The finest piano performanceOctober 16, 2016By Carol steavens (Deerfield beach, FL)See All My Reviews"I played classical piano from age 6 until college. I own compilations of Beethoven sonatas! I now cannot play due to damaging rheumatoid arthritis,BUT, WITH these exquisite recordings, I can follow with my sonata books and revel in the perfection of Beethoven."Report Abuse